In part one of this two-part case, Bailey takes us through the investigation into the Angel’s Landing cult. It is a chilling tale of manipulation, crime, and a charismatic leader who preyed on the vulnerable. At the heart of the case is Daniel Perez, also known as Lou Castro, who presented himself as a clairvoyant and prophet. Claiming to have supernatural powers and the ability to foresee the future, Perez lured followers to a secluded compound in Kansas, promising them protection and prosperity. However, behind the façade of spiritual guidance lay a sinister operation. The group was financially supported by the life insurance policies of its members, many of whom met untimely and suspicious deaths. Authorities became suspicious after the death of Patricia (Gomez) Hughes in 2003, officially ruled an accident. The trail led investigators to uncover a web of deceit, coercion, and exploitation spanning years. The Angel’s Landing Cult remains a harrowing reminder of the dangers of an absolute predator manipulating a group of followers with blind devotion.

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Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

References

Potter, T. (2014, August 6). Witness recalls day woman died at Valley Center compound | wichita eagle. The Witchita Eagle. https://www.kansas.com/news/article1092974.html

Nolasco, S. (2020, May 2). Angel’s Landing survivor recalls escaping deadly cult in new doc: “it didn’t take long for things to turn.” Fox News. https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/angels-landing-survivor-tells-all-deadly-cults-oxygen-doc

 Leiker, A. R. (2015, February 12). Daniel Perez testifies beating, memory loss led him to Lou Castro identity | wichita eagle. Daniel Perez testifies beating, memory loss led him to Lou Castro identity. https://www.kansas.com/news/local/crime/article9907157.html

Tidd, J. (2020, March 6). Case of Kansas cult killer and rapist Daniel Perez, Aka Lou Castro, featured on TV. Case of Kansas cult killer and rapist Daniel Perez, AKA Lou Castro, featured on TV. https://www.kansas.com/news/local/crime/article240933986.html

Public Offender Registry

Bennett, J. (2015, May 9). Columbia’s brush with an agent of pure evil. The Daily Herald. https://www.columbiadailyherald.com/story/news/local/2015/05/09/columbia-s-brush-with-agent/25703906007/

 State v. Perez, 396 P.3d 78 (Kan. 2017). State v. Perez, 396 P.3d 78 | Casetext Search + Citator

Potter, T. (2015, February 18). Identity quest: How Nine-year pursuit of ‘Lou Castro’ unfolded | wichita eagle. The Wichita Eagle. https://www.kansas.com/news/local/crime/article11501540.html